Video

A group of energy leaders are coming back together to encourage Wilmington businesses to help the environment and save energy.

The Energy and Sustainability Leaders Roundtable, which formed in 2012 under former Mayor Jim Baker’s administration has re-grouped to celebrate Brightfields, Inc., major 176-solar panel project. On Friday, Roundtable members joined Wilmington Councilman Darius Brown who not only praised Brightfields recent project but encouraged other area businesses to do the same and reduce the carbon footprint.

“As you look at the 7th Street Peninsula, as you look at sustainability in the City of Wilmington much of it is in the #3rd Council District, Brighfields is one of those leaders, we also have Delaware Solid Waste that has also contributed to reducing the carbon footprint, ” said Brown.

Brightfields solar panel system is expected to replace 25 percent of the company’s current electric purchases as well as save about 137,000 pounds per year of carbon dioxide emissions.

“Brightfields is excited to support alternative energy options, to increase reliance on clean energy, and to begin, almost immediately, a reduction in our electricity purchase costs,” said Brightfields Chief Financial Officer Don Short.

To date, Brightfields has established a recycling program, an on-site vegetable garden and many more projects under the direction of the Roundtable.

3rd District Council Member Darius Brown Takes On Freezing Ice and Water to Urge Citizens to Donate to the Scott A. Mackler Assistive Technology Program

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge came to Wilmington today when City Council MemberDarius Brown (D-3rd District) sought to heighten the public’s awareness of the ALS Challenge by taking a bucket of ice and water over his head and body.

Watch Council Member Brown’s charitable call to the community:

The Ice Bucket Challenge is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive degenerative disease that leads to death.

Council Member Brown today specifically urged the community to donate funds to the Scott A. Mackler, MD, PhD, Assistive Technology Program which helps ALS patients cope with difficulties they experience with speech and movement. The Philadelphia chapter of the ALS Association has an Assistive Technology Program that uses technology to increase or improve the functional capabilities of those with ALS. Assistive technology taps into a person’s ability by providing new and alternative means to stay active and continue to participate in everyday activities. To donate to the Mackler Assistive Technology Program, please use this link: http://www.alsphiladelphia.org/assistive-technology.

“This challenge has helped to raise nearly $12 million dollars for ALS research and for assistance for those with the disease,” said Council Member Brown. “I am happy to play a small part in increasing the public’s awareness of ALS and how we can help those who have this disease.”

In a message posted Saturday to the ALS Association’s website, which discusses how the ALS Association will use the outpouring of support to fight ALS, Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO of The ALS Association said:

“Never before have we been in a better position to fuel our fight against this disease. Increased awareness and unprecedented financial support will enable us to think outside the box. We will be able to strategize about efforts in ways that previously would not have been possible, all while we work to fulfill and enhance our existing mission priorities nationwide.”

Recent Posts

About Darius

A former Wilmington City Council member and Delaware Democratic Party Board member, Darius has a record of working with fellow legislators and community leaders to represent working families and achieve opportunities for jobs, and access to healthcare.